Economic crisis and environmental sustainability are two major concerns the world is facing globally in recent times. Enterprises with their toughest times of economical survival need to pay attention on the environmental problem that is endangering existence. Although they are attempting to strongly hold their corporate social responsibility and aggressively planning Green Initiatives. But in this current time of crisis, unless an initiative does not satisfy their bottom line will have a short term consideration.
The study attempts to highlight contemporary solution of Green IT which turns the climate change issue into an area of business opportunity. Typically Green IT adoption is associated as an investment towards acquiring energy efficient hardware devices in data centers to save power and reduce carbon emissions. The paper uncovers Green IT approach of server consolidation; through which enterprises can achieve eco-efficiency that relates to controlling environmental impacts as well as reducing cost of operations.
Server consolidation in data centers are proven in the study to be strongly correlated with cost saving business advantages. The correlation analysis done from the survey responses clarifies the general misconception that Green solutions are not always cost driven but can also be cost effective. Out of detailed interviews conducted for the research, it is evident that enterprises are at a slow pace to accept Green IT solutions in UAE as they are not entirely realizing the benefits it derives. Realization of benefits is ambiguous due to the lack of appropriate tools that can quantify benefits gained from implementing Green IT.
For the same, the recommendation include a measurement model to signify and provide strong business case showing imperative cost saving values for Green IT approach. The model calculates total operational as well as environmental savings with Green solution implementation in data centers. To further streamline Green IT benefit realization, the study finally recommends Rapid Business Justification process by which organizations can evaluate how Green IT solutions can save power, save cost and ultimately save the environment. The process aims to measure business benefits of Green IT initiative and justify tangible economical value. With the implementation of the process, enterprises will be able to substantiate quantitative business benefits that will encourage adoption of Green solutions aggressively.
Table of Contents
Chapter I: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Literature Review on the Problem Statement
1.3 Objectives of the Study, Research Questions and Hypotheses
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 Limitations of the Study
1.6 Definition of Terms
1.7 Organization of the Project Paper
Chapter II: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Synopsis
2.2 Meeting the Challenges – are we on track?
2.3 Detailed Research
2.4 Conclusions from Literature Review
2.5 Way forward
Chapter III: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
3.1 An Overview
3.2 Type of Research
3.3 Focal point of analysis
3.4 Sampling
3.5 Data Analysis
3.6 Conclusion
Chapter IV: Data Analysis and Findings
4.1 Overview of Data Analysis and Findings
4.2 Primary Research Objectives
4.3 Initial Interviews Outcomes
4.4 Quantitative Analysis
4.5 Qualitative Analysis
4.6 Summary of Analysis and Findings
4.7 Unanswered Points
Chapter V: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Overview of Main Findings
5.2 Meeting the Aim and the Objectives of the study
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Shortcomings and Grey areas in the Research
5.5 Summary and Conclusions
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary aim of this dissertation is to define a robust process that assists organizations in quantifying the business benefits of Green IT data center implementation approaches. The research investigates whether adoption of Green IT solutions, particularly server consolidation, serves as both an environmental imperative and a significant business opportunity through cost reduction.
- Analysis of Green IT adoption and its impact on business advantages.
- Evaluation of server consolidation as an effective Green IT initiative.
- Investigation of the relationship between data center energy efficiency and operational cost savings.
- Development of a measurement model to justify Green IT investments.
- Exploration of current Green IT initiatives within UAE-based enterprises.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background of the Study
Environmental concerns are obtaining incremental attention from business entities and governments across the globe. Davos (2007) quoted in the world economic forum published by Mingay (2007) in Gartner’s report, “Climate change voted the most important shift that affect business, technology, society and the global economy”. Enterprises are realizing the significance of the problem and are taking a drift from corporate social responsibility towards long term sustainability with increased emphasis on environmental issues (Scoot, 2007).
It is evident that businesses are concerned about the climate change problem and are investing a huge amount of capital towards the initiative of mitigating these crises (ACA Research, 2007). IBM recently has commenced a Big Green project worth billions of dollars to escalate development of green services and products (Kerwan, 2007).
Even the prominent International Standard Organization has been attempting to harmonize the environmental requirements for all the industries throughout the world (Wingard, 2001). The recently emerged contemporary standard of ISO 14000 is developed keeping in mind the pressure of environment responsibility to improve sustainable standards for businesses (Pratt, 1997). Similarly every industry is coming up with green initiatives to embark upon this global issue and in the stream of MIS, ‘Green IT’ has been very prominent as part of the solution in recent times.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter I: INTRODUCTION: Outlines the growing global environmental awareness and establishes the problem that enterprises lack a standard measurement model to justify the business advantages of Green IT.
Chapter II: LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines existing research, Green IT adoption models, and frameworks to establish the theoretical foundation for quantifying benefits in data center operations.
Chapter III: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: Details the research strategy, combining quantitative survey methods and qualitative interviews to gather data from IT professionals in the UAE.
Chapter IV: Data Analysis and Findings: Presents the empirical findings, including the correlation between Green IT adoption and operational cost savings based on the collected survey data.
Chapter V: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Provides a final assessment of the study’s objectives and proposes a Rapid Business Justification process to help organizations quantify and realize Green IT value.
Key Keywords
Green IT, Data Centers, Server Consolidation, Virtualization, Environmental Sustainability, Cost Saving, Business Advantage, Measurement Model, Rapid Business Justification, UAE Enterprises, IT Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency, ROI, Carbon Emissions, Corporate Social Responsibility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
This work focuses on addressing the lack of standard measurement tools for evaluating the business value of Green IT initiatives, specifically within data center environments.
What are the central themes of the study?
The central themes include environmental sustainability, the business impact of data center operations, the financial benefits of virtualization, and the need for quantified justification in IT investments.
What is the primary goal of the dissertation?
The aim is to define a process that assists organizations in quantifying the tangible business benefits (specifically cost savings) derived from Green IT data center implementation approaches.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The research uses a mixed-methods approach, employing quantitative analysis through Likert-scale surveys and correlation testing, alongside qualitative data gathered via in-depth interviews with IT professionals.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers a literature review of current Green IT standards, the design of a research methodology focused on UAE data centers, and a comprehensive analysis of survey findings regarding business drivers for Green IT.
What keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include Green IT, Server Consolidation, Virtualization, Cost Savings, Business Advantages, and UAE Data Centers.
How does server consolidation impact operational costs?
The study demonstrates that consolidating physical servers reduces power consumption, hardware maintenance, and real estate requirements, leading to significant quantified cost savings.
Why are standard metrics necessary for Green IT adoption?
Without quantifiable metrics, organizations often view Green IT purely as a social initiative; standard metrics allow managers to build a strong business case, demonstrating ROI to senior leadership.
What is the Rapid Business Justification (RBJ) process?
The RBJ is a recommended framework based on the study's findings to help organizations assess, implement, and monitor the financial performance and business value of their Green IT initiatives.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Aamir Dawawala (Autor:in), 2009, Green IT - A Global Problem and an Imperative Business Opportunity, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/150729
